George Vincent Avenia

George (Moose) Vincent Avenia, 82, a longtime resident of Hillsdale, passed away on Wednesday evening, June 4, 2014, at Saint Peter's Hospice Inn in Albany after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Winsted, CT on October 14, 1931 to Angelo and Lillian Marchese (Marks) Avenia, George spent his childhood and adolescent years in Winsted and Canaan working alongside his parents and brother in their family business before the family relocated to Columbia County and opened Angelo's Market, later the Hillsdale Supermarket.

George attended Roeliff Jansen Central School before entering the United States Marine Corps. He served in the reserves for two years.

On June 21, 1953 George married Elizabeth Mae Holmes at the Copake United Methodist Church; they enjoyed nearly sixty-one years of marriage. After serving an apprenticeship, George opened a barbershop along Route 23 in Hillsdale, which he and Betty eventually expanded into B&G Liquor Store. He continued barbering for more than sixty years; he so enjoyed his craft that he continued to provide haircuts throughout his illness.

George was a member of the First Methodist Church in Hillsdale, a life member of the Hillsdale Fire Department, the OxBow Hunting Club and the Cadby-ShuttsVFW.

An avid hunter and fisherman, George often recounted stories of his latest catch and remained an expert at spotting a deer or a turkey in an open field. George had a keen sense of humor and always had a new joke. A natural gambler, George feverishly followed dog and horse racing all while searching for the best scratch off tickets.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Hillsdale; his three children: Diane Meredith of Walton, Michael and Tami Avenia of Hillsdale, and Anthony (Tony) and Stacey Zander of Valatie; six grandchildren, William and Patrick Meredith of Walton, Lauren (Josh) Miller of Copake, Morgan (Binny) Singh of Copake, and Megan and Nicholas Avenia of Chatham; three great granddaughters Adelyn, Braelyn, and Aria; his brother John (Ruth) Avenia of Hillsdale, his aunt Rose Grant of Canaan, CT; his brother-in-law Robert Holmes of Endicott, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; his grandson, John Meredith; and several aunts and uncles.

Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours at Peck and Peck Funeral Home on Sunday, June 8 from 12-3PM; the funeral service will follow at 3 PM. All are welcome to attend a reception celebrating George's life at the Copake Memorial Park, 305 Mountain View Road, from 4-6 PM. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family wishes to thank Rose and the team at Community Hospice of Columbia and Greene Counties for their outstanding care of George during his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice of Columbia and Greene Counties (295 Valley View Blvd, Rensselaer, NY 12144) or the Hillsdale Fire Department (9387 New York 22, Hillsdale, NY 12529).

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